The Council of Europe Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes (the EPA), which was established in 2010, ensures the implementation of the programme. The Secretariat of the EPA is located at the European Institute of Cultural Routes in Luxembourg.

The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes implements the Council of Europe’s policy guidelines, decides the programme strategy, provides advice and expert assistance for the development, implementation and promotion of Cultural Routes, and supports networking and exchange between Cultural Route operators and other partners in the field of cultural tourism. It awards the “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” certification and oversees the routes’ regular evaluation on a three-yearly basis. It is open to member and non-member States of the Council of Europe and aims to provide political support for national, regional and local initiatives for promoting culture and tourism.

The Enlarged Partial Agreement comprises two statutory bodies. The Governing Board of the EPA is composed of representatives from ministries of member States and awards the certification “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe”. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Commission, UNWTO, UNESCO and the OECD participate in its work. The Statutory Committee of the EPA is composed of representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs and adopts the EPA’s annual budget.

A major event is the annual Advisory Forum, which brings together representatives of Cultural Routes, national bodies, networks and international heritage and tourism organisations.

Photo: Council of Europe Cultural Routes Member States Annual Meeting in Luxembourg on 14-15 April 2016